Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas formed naturally as uranium and radium decay in soil and rock. It can enter buildings through cracks in slabs, construction joints, drains, and utility penetrations.

Why indoor radon matters

Outdoors, radon usually disperses quickly. Indoors, especially in poorly ventilated basements and ground floors, it can accumulate and increase long-term exposure to ionizing radiation. This is a practical risk-management issue, not a reason for sensational claims.

What Bq/m3 means

Radon concentration is reported in becquerels per cubic meter (Bq/m3). The value represents radioactive decays per second in one cubic meter of air. Higher concentration generally means higher potential dose over time.

How testing and mitigation work

  • Long-term passive tests (typically 2-12 months) provide the most representative annual average.
  • Electronic monitors are useful for short-term trend tracking and ventilation experiments.
  • Testing should focus on regularly occupied rooms, especially lower levels.

If results are high, mitigation can include improved ventilation, sealing major entry routes, and sub-slab depressurization systems where appropriate. Good mitigation often reduces radon substantially and can be verified with a follow-up test.